The Trade

On it's own, this deal is a clear win for the Calgary Flames.

The only legitimate NHL player in this trade is Ladislav Smid. He has his faults; in particular he isn't an especially good puck-mover and has always been at his best when paired with a defenceman who can take primary responsibility for that part of the game. With that said, he is a legitimate middle-pairing defensive defenceman and a welcome physical presence, a guy who can kill penalties and has played some tough minutes over the years.

Olivier Roy is a marginal NHL goaltending prospect at this point, a guy still struggling to prove he can play regularly at the AHL level. Laurent Brossoit, an ex-Edmonton Oil King, is in his first year as a professional but is a better prospect long-term. Neither of these guys really matter in the NHL picture in the short term.

Roman Horak adds centre depth. He has 82 games of NHL experience but has spent most of this season with Abbotsford; he'll help the Barons a lot at centre right now and provides the Oilers with a second plausible call-up at that position (along with Linus Omark.

In the balance: the Oilers cleared cap space, but their NHL roster just got poorer.

Bryzgalov

Ilya Bryzgalov is a pretty good goalie. We don't have contract details yet, but the best guess is that we're looking at a one-year deal somewhere in the $2.0 - $2.5 million per year range. This isn't a totally surprising move; Jason Gregor reported it might happen not that long ago on this site.

Over the last five seasons, Bryzgalov has posted a 0.923 save percentage at even-strength. That makes him a little better than Devan Dubnyk and puts him in the same range as guys like Jonathan Quick, Carey Price and Corey Crawrford over that span. The difference is that Bryzgalov also famously imploded after being signed to a amassive ocntract by Philadelphia.

This is a good addition, particularly if he's being brought in to compete with Devan Dubnyk for playing time. It's not enough to explain the Smid trade, unless the contract is horrific.

That's where we are now. The Oilers are better in net at the moment, significantly worse on defence and if another move doesn't come this has been a very bad night for Craig MacTavish. Another move is probably coming, and it will need to be a good one to make up for what's already happened.

Jonathan Willis is a freelance writer.
He currently works for Oilers Nation, Sportsnet, the Edmonton Journal and Bleacher Report.
He's co-written three books and worked for myriad websites, including Grantland, ESPN, The Score, and Hockey Prospectus. He was previously the founder and managing editor of Copper & Blue.

It could be the Tylenol 3 talking, but there is a tiny bit of me that thinks MacT was being kind to the good soldier that Smid was/is. Smid was the only Oiler who was a fat-ish long term contract hit for the next few seasons, he is a fairly good 2nd/3rd pairing D-Man which the Oil are also stacked in. With MacT trading him to Calgary to offload cap space, it could have been so he doesn't really have to uproot everything to play anywhere else as he could feasibly still live in Edmonton for the most part. I could be completely wrong on this, but it just seems weird to trade a player like Smid to the Flames for some spare parts, even if it a salary dump.

As a Flames fan, I would like to offer my apologies (for trading with a rival), my thanks (for giving us your best defenceman), and my consolation (because your defence is now absolutely the worst in the league beyond any question).

I actually think signing Bryz is an obvious and prudent decision for the Oilers. You need another option in net, and he is the best option available.

I also really like Horak. Kid has character, and I think he will become a very good 3rd liner some day.

And Brossoit has as good of a chance of being a #1 goalie as any other high-end goalie prospect.

Good trade I liked Smid you never questioned his effort he gave his all every game but really we have at least 3 guys that can replace him and with some offensive ability Bryz is going to supply entertainment if nothing else and it's perfect DD is going to be looking over his shoulder now Give it 10 games and let's see what happens

We traded an NHL hockey player that's played 3-400 games with grit for nothing. U think we were soft before now were really soft on defense. Hey fans we are the laughing stock of the league. Mcdavid here we come next year.

I don't think trading smid is a bad idea long term, but couldn't they of got more than that for him at the trade deadline? It seems either that or using I'm in a multi-piece deal would have been much smarter.

As a Flames fan, I would like to offer my apologies (for trading with a rival), my thanks (for giving us your best defenceman), and my consolation (because your defence is now absolutely the worst in the league beyond any question).

I actually think signing Bryz is an obvious and prudent decision for the Oilers. You need another option in net, and he is the best option available.

I also really like Horak. Kid has character, and I think he will become a very good 3rd liner some day.

And Brossoit has as good of a chance of being a #1 goalie as any other high-end goalie prospect.

This is one of the worst trades in Oilers history (that wasn't dictated by economics, pending free agent status or Lauren Pronger). Or maybe it's a economics deal, clearing contracts and cap. Still, lousy hockey move.

Brossoit could become something at the NHL level. But so could Olivier Roy, goalies are just too hard to predict. Brossoit clearly has a better chance, but we're still talking about two guys who will probably never make it.

Horak has essentially already made it, he could slot into the Oilers' bottom 6 tomorrow. But he has had difficulty scoring at the pro level, so odds are against him getting TOO much better (he will improve somewhat, I'm sure).

I know what kind of game Smid brings. And I like it. He's a defenceman who can defend. He's one-dimensional, but sometimes that's exactly the dimension you need. The Flames need that dimension. But the Oilers probably need it even more, so this trade is pretty much baffling.

The Oil have also signed the goaltending god that is Chet Pickard to a minor league deal to play in OKC who last season played in Somewhere in Sweden.

I had no real monster breaking story to offer except this accidentally found tidbit which might have some meaning with regards to the 50 contract limit or who will be assigned where, or some other piece from a puzzle of a picture that only MacT and 6Rings is seeing or has seen.

I like Tylenol 3, keeping my dental blues away and making me loopy as fook :-)

Best thing about this trade (besides Laurent Broissoit) is that MacT is Walking the Walk......to do nothing at this point, is to concede the season....which would be saying that we accept losing.......

Even though making the playoffs is an extreme long shot, you make moves now to stop the bleeding and give yourself a chance to have a winning percentage through the balance of the season.....you send a message to the room that losing is not going to be accepted and that losing has consequences.....

Best thing about this trade (besides Laurent Broissoit) is that MacT is Walking the Walk......to do nothing at this point, is to concede the season....which would be saying that we accept losing.......

Even though making the playoffs is an extreme long shot, you make moves now to stop the bleeding and give yourself a chance to have a winning percentage through the balance of the season.....you send a message to the room that losing is not going to be accepted and that losing has consequences.....

Even if the reality is that you're building towards next year.

The problem is MacT is getting a goalie who was cut by an ECHL team this summer. Just like he said earlier, the best move sometimes is no move. Brzy may be worse than what we have, including Roy and Bunz. This move may be worse than not making a move.

Brossoit could become something at the NHL level. But so could Olivier Roy, goalies are just too hard to predict. Brossoit clearly has a better chance, but we're still talking about two guys who will probably never make it.

Horak has essentially already made it, he could slot into the Oilers' bottom 6 tomorrow. But he has had difficulty scoring at the pro level, so odds are against him getting TOO much better (he will improve somewhat, I'm sure).

I know what kind of game Smid brings. And I like it. He's a defenceman who can defend. He's one-dimensional, but sometimes that's exactly the dimension you need. The Flames need that dimension. But the Oilers probably need it even more, so this trade is pretty much baffling.

I just see it as a kind salary dump that doesn't really harm anyone too badly. The flames have cap room to play around with so Smid's contract isn't too much of an issue. I am a bit envious that you got Berra as he will be a star for you guys once he fully gets used to the North American game as I'm sure there is still some adjustments to get used to.

Most of you are caught up in a team loyalty to Smid. I understand that. He's a warrior. On to the positives; we just got faster on D no matter what you think. You will see how slow Smid is when Hall blows by him time after time. We got a great goalie prospect. Roy is a bust. Something else is in the works. I smell Simmonds coming here I hope. Wait for it...

The problem is MacT is getting a goalie who was cut by an ECHL team this summer. Just like he said earlier, the best move sometimes is no move. Brzy may be worse than what we have, including Roy and Bunz. This move may be worse than not making a move.

I thought that stint with the echl team was only temporary. Keep in shape type of thing.

Brossoit could become something at the NHL level. But so could Olivier Roy, goalies are just too hard to predict. Brossoit clearly has a better chance, but we're still talking about two guys who will probably never make it.

Horak has essentially already made it, he could slot into the Oilers' bottom 6 tomorrow. But he has had difficulty scoring at the pro level, so odds are against him getting TOO much better (he will improve somewhat, I'm sure).

I know what kind of game Smid brings. And I like it. He's a defenceman who can defend. He's one-dimensional, but sometimes that's exactly the dimension you need. The Flames need that dimension. But the Oilers probably need it even more, so this trade is pretty much baffling.

I'll say it again....the reason you feel baffled is because you don't know Smid....you're overvaluing him.....not only is he one dimensional, he's not that physical....like Harlie said....more bear hugs than hits....seldom fights.....and he's at his prime....he's not getting any better.......he's a serviceable 4...more like a 5 on a good team.......if you don't believe me....ask yourself why the Oilers would trade him to anyone in their division let alone their arch rivals?

Brossoit could become something at the NHL level. But so could Olivier Roy, goalies are just too hard to predict. Brossoit clearly has a better chance, but we're still talking about two guys who will probably never make it.

Horak has essentially already made it, he could slot into the Oilers' bottom 6 tomorrow. But he has had difficulty scoring at the pro level, so odds are against him getting TOO much better (he will improve somewhat, I'm sure).

I know what kind of game Smid brings. And I like it. He's a defenceman who can defend. He's one-dimensional, but sometimes that's exactly the dimension you need. The Flames need that dimension. But the Oilers probably need it even more, so this trade is pretty much baffling.

I'll say it again....the reason you feel baffled is because you don't know Smid....you're overvaluing him.....not only is he one dimensional, he's not that physical....like Harlie said....more bear hugs than hits....seldom fights.....and he's at his prime....he's not getting any better.......he's a serviceable 4...more like a 5 on a good team.......if you don't believe me....ask yourself why the Oilers would trade him to anyone in their division let alone their arch rivals?

Brossoit could become something at the NHL level. But so could Olivier Roy, goalies are just too hard to predict. Brossoit clearly has a better chance, but we're still talking about two guys who will probably never make it.

Horak has essentially already made it, he could slot into the Oilers' bottom 6 tomorrow. But he has had difficulty scoring at the pro level, so odds are against him getting TOO much better (he will improve somewhat, I'm sure).

I know what kind of game Smid brings. And I like it. He's a defenceman who can defend. He's one-dimensional, but sometimes that's exactly the dimension you need. The Flames need that dimension. But the Oilers probably need it even more, so this trade is pretty much baffling.

I'll say it again....the reason you feel baffled is because you don't know Smid....you're overvaluing him.....not only is he one dimensional, he's not that physical....like Harlie said....more bear hugs than hits....seldom fights.....and he's at his prime....he's not getting any better.......he's a serviceable 4...more like a 5 on a good team.......if you don't believe me....ask yourself why the Oilers would trade him to anyone in their division let alone their arch rivals?

Brossoit could become something at the NHL level. But so could Olivier Roy, goalies are just too hard to predict. Brossoit clearly has a better chance, but we're still talking about two guys who will probably never make it.

Horak has essentially already made it, he could slot into the Oilers' bottom 6 tomorrow. But he has had difficulty scoring at the pro level, so odds are against him getting TOO much better (he will improve somewhat, I'm sure).

I know what kind of game Smid brings. And I like it. He's a defenceman who can defend. He's one-dimensional, but sometimes that's exactly the dimension you need. The Flames need that dimension. But the Oilers probably need it even more, so this trade is pretty much baffling.

I'll say it again....the reason you feel baffled is because you don't know Smid....you're overvaluing him.....not only is he one dimensional, he's not that physical....like Harlie said....more bear hugs than hits....seldom fights.....and he's at his prime....he's not getting any better.......he's a serviceable 4...more like a 5 on a good team.......if you don't believe me....ask yourself why the Oilers would trade him to anyone in their division let alone their arch rivals?

The Oil have also signed the goaltending god that is Chet Pickard to a minor league deal to play in OKC who last season played in Somewhere in Sweden.

I had no real monster breaking story to offer except this accidentally found tidbit which might have some meaning with regards to the 50 contract limit or who will be assigned where, or some other piece from a puzzle of a picture that only MacT and 6Rings is seeing or has seen.

I like Tylenol 3, keeping my dental blues away and making me loopy as fook :-)

I don't mind trading Ladi Smid. I get pissed when they trade him for nothing. We keep hearing how hard it is to get big gritty reliable players, and they give one away for a couple of long shot prospects. It's really disappointing.